Plasmon enhanced LT-GaAs terahertz photoconductive switch technology

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Terahertz (THz) electromagnetic waves provide unique spectroscopic information about molecules. Consequently, THz technologies are emerging for many applications in pharmaceutical development and process control, pollution monitoring, industrial monitoring, explosive and drug detection etc. There are about 50 companies providing THz technologies worldwide. This proposal is aimed at developing our recent discovery that photoconductive antennas (PCAs -- a key component of THz systems) incorporating carefully designed nanostructured metals (plasmonics) and low-temperature grown GaAs can outperform existing commercial devices by a factor of two in both bandwidth and power while operating at 1550 nm (below the bandgap of GaAs). Further optimization of material properties is required so that these PCAs can meet their full potential. Also, careful evaluation of their operation characteristics is required to provide specifications to potential investors/vendors. Finally, the demonstration of these devices in constant-wave mode of operation is desired to broaden the market. This project combines expertise of Dr. Gordon in plasmonics (Canada Research Chair in Nanoplasmonics), with the systems and market expertise of Dr. Darcie (Canada Research Chair in Optical Systems for Communications, Imaging and Sensing, with 20 years at AT&T and 6 start-ups at UVic), and the materials growth expertise of Dr. Tiedje (distinguished academic - Fellow RSC and APS, and former group head at Exxon Research and Engineering). Three experienced graduate students and a strong postdoctoral researcher will help ensure that the milestones of this project are met.